Just because it isn’t the 1800’s doesn’t mean I can’t be a bathing beauty

Growing up I remember watching my sisters fuss with outfits, makeup, hair and more outfits, before leaving the house. It was because of this long production of getting ready to just go to the video rental store to pick a movie to watch at home, that I decided to hang out with the boys, more so than girls.

When I was much younger I loved girlie things; like cutting my hair, painting my face, singing to the flowers, as if my life were a Disney musical.

As I neared sixth grade I began to realize it was ok to have a bad hair day and wear clothes that I was comfortable in.

I was still self-conscious about my appearance. I had Napoleon Complex and when time came I even lied about my height on my driver’s license to make the 5′ mark. I was well aware of the perception others imposed about wearing certain items for certain body types, but I was rarely one to think that way.

I wasn’t immune to bad wardrobe blunders and hairstyles that were unattractive to my face shape, but I was glad to experiment and made it a rule to not stand in front of a mirror for more than a minute.

As an adult this has not changed. Society, media, and even some people I hung out with were constantly telling me I needed to lose weight, hang out in certain circles or go after certain jobs. Eventually, those people came and went, I stopped listening to the media, and I went after jobs that were interesting to me.

When I came across Jade Beall’s work I got goose bumps and couldn’t help but be happy. I felt the same exhilaration when I jumped out a plane for the first time; l felt liberated. It was the approval and appreciation for my own journey as a woman. My genetics were no longer something to be ashamed of, but celebrated. I believe men and women, need to feel that same liberation and know that their journey is worth being acknowledged. Our bodies are not problems to be fixed with diet pills and unrealistic surgeries. It is because of this that I would like to recognize Jade Beall and all of her models as #InspirationalWomen.

Many women from all backgrounds joined Jade Beall’s movement to create a stunning book of photographs and life stories acknowledging and celebrating the journey of: motherhood, aging, cancer, still-births, miscarriages, weight-gain, weight-loss, dysmorphia, and more. Jade hasn’t stopped there; her next project features “Wise Women Over 50”.

You can buy a copy of the Beautiful Body Project, Volume 1: Mothers by clicking here

Please visit her site www.abeautifulbodyproject.com to see what other amazing projects she has planned for subsequent volumes and how you can be a part of her movement.

April showers bring May flowers and just in time for Mother’s Day. As we move into this season of honoring our mothers, at Our Hands For Hope we will be celebrating inspirational women in our lives by showcasing the strength, dignity, wisdom, support, love, comfort and creativity that defines women.

We all hold images and memories of humorous, sentimental, empowering, and introspective moments we’ve had with women who inspire us. Throughout the month of May we will be celebrating women of all types, mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, nieces and friends.

We’ll be posting ways we applaud womanhood, from artistic expressions of female artists, humorous tales of fond memories, to the stories about changed lives and new adventures.

We want you to share your memories and moments with us as well. Send us a blurb or a brief story about a woman you would like to honor, we would love a picture to attach to it too! Share your ideas, art, quotes and stories about the women in your life, so we can all celebrate together.

We will be having two giveaway gift drawings for those of you who participate.

One will be announced on May 10th and the other on May 31st, 2014.

So get those notes sent….we are so excited to honor WOMANHOOD with you!

Springtime is the perfect season to bring our your most feminine pieces for an elegant yet casual look. Pair your favorite, light blouse or shirt with a high-waisted skirt that cuts at the knee for a sophisticated look that can be worn day or night.

Throw on a few accessories like our popular yet versatile Flor scarf to add some layers and chunky jewelry with some color to tie it altogether.

Spring is finally upon us, although it’s felt like it for quite a while here in California. To celebrate the official arrival of one of our favorite times of year, we’ve put together an outfit that still has some winter style but with shorter lengths and a couple pops of color to ease us into the season.

So instead of staying bundled up, switch to shorter layers like flirty skirts and lighter sweaters that are easy to take off when it’s warm, but can still keep you from getting cold if there’s a breeze.